Texas Lobby Group Legislative Update: Sen. Tommy Williams Resigns

As we reported yesterday, it was likely that more legislative retirements or resignations would be coming… but this one was a real shock.

Senator Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands) and the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee has confirmed he will resign his Senate seat. Chairman Williams recently considered a run for State Comptroller, only to decide to stay in his safe Senate District and powerful Committee Chairmanship. However, it now appears it is likely that he will be going to work for Texas A&M University in a government relations role.

This brings another wrinkle to the upcoming budget cycle. Given the retirement of House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie) – the House Chief Budget writer, the resignation of Senator Williams means a new Chief budget head for the Senate side as well. Then there is the question of who will replace him in his Senate seat….

Senator Williams drew a four-year term, so a special election will be called to fill the remaining three years…

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